SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans will now receive stronger protections under the Human Rights Act, thanks to State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield).

When the current Human Rights Act was enacted, the statutes recognized only one type of order of protection. Senate Bill 2826, signed into law last week, expands the law’s protections to include persons protected under No Contact Orders, No Stalking No Contact Orders and Civil No Contact Orders.

That clarification will afford victims of workplace stalking and harassment further protections by aid such as reasonable, unpaid leave for court dates.

“Clarifying and strengthening the definition of the Illinois Human Rights Act is the right thing to do,” Morrison said. “We have to ensure that everyone has the strongest protections when it comes to discrimination in the workplace.”

The Human Rights Act defines unlawful discrimination as discrimination against a person because of his or her race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, and marital status, order of protection status, disability, military status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or unfavorable discharge from military service.

SB 2826 goes into effect immediately.